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The Sound of Music (50,533) by Edward from USA Some of us were really lucky to experience The Divine Vocal Trinity (Mariah, Celine and Whitney) at their peaks in the 90's. The feeling, the expectation, the music, how these women were celebrated worldwide was magical. It was good having not only your favorite, but the other two that could keep us entertained while we waited for the other one to release new music. Most albums were conceptual rather than a bunch of unrelated songs for the sake of scoring a hit. I could listen to Mariah's "Butterfly" and Celine's "Let's Talk About Love" from beginning to end, but can we actually say that about any of Rihanna's albums? I like Rihanna, and a few of her songs, but once her glory days are gone, she won't have a "Daydream" or "Butterfly" under her belt. She'll most likely break Mariah's #1's record, she's tied Mariah with equal number of top 10's with her new single, but she won't ever be Mariah or be on her league. The competition in the 90's was tough, you had to bring your A game if you wanted to succeed, but those days are long gone. We've been left and mostly settled for uninspired shitty music. This is an era where Justin Bieber and Katy Perry are considered super stars, go figure. Good music is slowly but surely making a comeback, Sam Smith's album "In The Lonely Hour" and Ed Sheeran's album "X (read Multiple)" remind me of how great music used to be. Their successes prove that quality will always trump garbage. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 15:37)

Re: Stacey / Why? MC's voice? (50,532) by Ardis Logic from Earth Since none of us are around Mariah we have no idea what she does day to day to care for herself. We do know that she drinks alcohol quite a bit and does not get enough sleep. I have heard other rumors about things that she does that could also be contributing to damaging her voice but let's not go there. Sleep is (all caps) very important to the body being able to heal itself. When you fall into that deep sleep (rem) that is when your body starts repairing damage from the day and just in general. We also know that MC does not sleep when the rest of us do. She usually stays up all night and maybe sleeps in the morning afternoon hours. Some might think this is not a big deal but it really is. I really wish Mariah would take better care of herself and stop drinking alcohol. Some might say "so what if she drinks, she's an adult" true but, drinking alcohol can be very damaging to the body when drunk in access. Also it should not be used as an escape. I should know. I use to drink quite a bit as well do to personal issues as an escape. I wouldn't say I was addicted or an alcoholic but it was not healthy so I quit over a year ago. Since then I feel much healthier. I had a complete lifestyle change and I wish MC would do the same. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 14:43)

Re: Norman (50,531) by Billy from Greece Wow. That was poignant. I loved reading your post. It's probably the most mature, knowledgeable and respectful post I've read in I don't remember how long in a messageboard that is inundated with teenage-level futile comparisons between Mariah and other artists, rehashing the same points over and over again. I really appreciate the distinction that you made between knowing Mariah the artist versus Mariah the person, as most people here seem to forget that, but this is the nature of fan cultures I guess. You're really a Mariah fan I would be interested in exchanging viewpoints with. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 12:19)

Fifth Harmony (50,530) by Lee TS from USA Here's a cute clip of the girls doing a medley of M's signatures before going into Like Mariah. Loving they're paying homage and introducing M to them teeny boppers. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 10:39)

Marissa, "fans" (50,497), Celine (50,529) by Stacey from USA Wow, your post was awesome. Folks, read that one again and then ask yourself, "Do you want the best for Mariah?" Sometimes even one of the successful artists of all-time needs a little tough love. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 8:52)

Celine and Mariah (50,527) by Stacey from USA This is what happens when you take care of your voice. I purposely posted a video of Celine Dion singing one of her more difficult songs All By Myself from 2014. I've been asking myself this question for a long time: why does Celine's voice sound strong while Mariah has seemed to struggle. I'm not throwing shade, really. Thoughts? I don't know if I buy the whole "voice changes after so much use" argument anymore. Sure, Celine's voice has changed. Sure, she lips songs to preserve her voice day to day. However, that doesn't explain why Celine can hit that climax note from ABM 18 years after she first released the song and MC has to lip Fantasy. On a lighter note, no offence, but after watching this video if you still believe Ms. Ross slays Celine, you're crazy, lol. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 8:11)

Can't Take That Away (50,523) by Norman from USA So this is probably going to be super annoying. I apologize in advance, but I have to post this in sections because it's a rant. I always seem to have time to check in here but hardly ever have time to actually write a post, which might actually be a blessing in disguise, otherwise I'd go out of my feeble mind and pull the few remaining hairs out of my head. I believe the one thing we can all agree on is that Mariah's current career trajectory isn't exactly winning all of us over. I know I wasn't thrilled to learn she was going to head to Vegas for a residency, and especially not for a #1's re-release. In my mind it seemed like she's been stuck having to sing most of these songs for the better part of her career. True enough, they've made her career and she's achieved them over the course of it, but how many can we hear "Hero" sung in a lower key? I've been waiting for some out-of-the-box thinking from her camp for quite some time. I thought we were getting it with the whole album when we first heard #Beautiful. It was a new sound for her and definitely Mariah doing what she does best, paving her own way. (Sadly, the release of the video just stalled it and didn't let it climb higher. Also, even though it's a great song, I'm not sure how well it was thought out about this being performed live when Miguel is singing solo for a good minute and a half before she starts.) Back in the 90's when everyone was into Grunge and the ever-present dance music, she stuck to her guns (sure enough, in no small part with the help of future hubby T. Mottola and Sony's deep pockets, but that doesn't equate longevity) and forged ahead with her own brand of Pop/R&B, and she dominated. As we all know too well, she helped revolutionize modern day pop (pop-hop) with the Fantasy remix ft. Ol' Dirty B. Something she kept doing better than most any other of her peers for quite some time, at least until the formula was copied to perfection and then improved upon. And that seems to be the last time we saw the innovative side of Mariah's sound evolution. There have been signs of life, at least IMO, of course, here and there. (Side Effects is insanely good at both a newer edgier/grittier sound while also giving us some real insight into her growing pains as an artist and as an individual. She wasn't messing around with that song.) And, yes, I did like MIAMTEC a lot. I don't believe it wasn't commercial enough, however. It was definitely was more commercial than MOEA, but it wasn't going to get her to the top of the charts again. We can argue over what song should've been a single first or how it should've been promoted, but aside from garnering really great reviews from critics, she needs to sell the entire album because she's Mariah Carey. Everyone else can sell 2 million of a single and just 2 copies of an album and be called a star, but not Mimi. It sucks so much, but it's the honest truth. A big part of it is her legacy, that whole "biggest selling female artist of all time", talking point that's been hammered to death. I don't like talking in absolutes about someone I don't know, but if there's one thing I would seriously stress to her team if I could, is to please, absolutely cut that out. It's only hurting her at this point. It's such a double-edged sword. And it's such a sharp sword, too, because she is indeed Mariah Carey. She and Madonna are the two most influential pop artists of the last 30 years. They've reshaped the face of pop music as it is today. Most female performers are a version of one or both of them to some degree. At the end of the day I keep coming back because she is Mariah Carey. Because her voice, her lyrics, her music has been with me one way or another since I was 15 years old and I heard Love Takes Time for the first time. In some of my darkest times, when I didn't want to hear from anyone else and I didn't think anyone cared enough about me, it was only her voice and music that I heard. That got me through it. So yeah, I could go on with a bunch of other personal quips I wish would be taken into account and somehow implemented so that my favorite singer of all time wouldn't be shredded on social media, the press, her fans, late night hosts, and sometimes even by my friends. The fact of the matter is that as much as I may feel connected to her, and as much as I care for her for whatever reason, I don't know Mariah Carey the person. Through CD's, concerts, videos, movies, pictures, I know Mariah Carey the singer/ songwriter/ producer/ actress/ mother who really seems to be going through something right now, maybe even for some time now, that I haven't the foggiest of, and all I can do is speculate and vent on a fan message board. Which all fine, but I know I sometimes have to remind myself she's not actually my best friend when one of my actual friends starts trying to talk smack because it's on. Hehe. If I may make a suggestion at the close of this long rant of mine, it would be this (and it's been said before): that when we offer up criticism of whatever our issue is with Mariah's camp or her decisions, that we first remember what it is we love about her first. What I know about Mariah Carey's talent is that it's not a flash in the pants. She's not a one trick pony, and she may take her time, but she does find a way. I trust most of you will be around when she does. In the mean time, I'll be going to Vegas "and a hero comes along". P.S. I know some of you are going to take issue with my statement about her sound evolution, and I did want to expand on that, but I figured I'd rambled on enough for one post, so I left it at that for now. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 8:03)

Comparisons (50,522) by MC1989 from Spain Abraham, you said before that Celine didn't have any successful album since "Let's talk about love". That's as unfair and untrue as saying that Mariah didn't have any successful album since "Butterfly". Maybe Celine's songs didn't climb on the US charts as some of Mariah's singles, but don't forget USA is not the world's center. In fact, many songs from Mariah that went #1 on the Billboard chart are not even known in the rest of the world, unlike many songs from her and many other artists who didn't become #1's but remain as classic hits in all the world, like many songs of your (and our) admired Diana. Let's be respectful to Celine and all the great vocalists. Mariah, in addition, is a great songwritter. But nobody's over nobody, it's just a matter of personal likes. Using the example of the 90's diva-trinity (W. Houston, M. Carey and C. Dion): Whitney was uncomparable as a live performer. Mariah's vocal acrobatics and high notes, her beautiful voice tone - that she still has - and her ability to write songs make her so unique. Celine's voice is great, and has an interesting career and discography though I preffer a million times Mariah's tone. But probably Celine is the most disciplined. Each one them have different music styles and very diverse qualities that distinguish them, but nobady's better than anybody in absolute terms. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 6:11)

MCArchives (50,521) by Mara from United States I just want to say I honestly don't know what I would do without this group of people or this board. We may all not agree and we may have different views as far as Mariah, but we all can agree that we have passion for her and that is why we are here. There is not a day that I don't take time out of my day to check my MCArchives message board. You guys are all like family and there is nowhere else I can freely voice my opinion on a woman I consider a family member since 1990. Lee, I loved your posts as well as Jon's. Adam, I said these Vegas shows remind me of MJ's This Is It shows when I first heard she was doing them. I do think they are very similar as far as what the general public is going to look to MC to pull off. Marissa, your post nailed it. Those of us that lived through the MC that could do no wrong or the MC that ruled the charts are simply not used to this Mariah or this current state of music, whichever it is. It really is taking adjustment to Mariah not being on top. All I can say is she has done it before and with all that has been going on in her life, it should be more than enough ammunition to stop, regroup and remind people. I love this woman so much and feel like she is a sister who went through everything since 14 years old with me. We all connect on so many different levels with MC. I don't know how many other artists fans can say that. Just wanted to show you guys all some love. Baby, you are an awesome lamb too by the way, and of course Shelly. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 6:00)

Once again we sit in silence, after all is said and done (50,520) by MC1989 from Spain When you talk about Vegas you're forgetting about Cher's spectacular and amazing show. Mariah should watch "The Farewell Tour" from Cher and "A New Day: Live in Las Vegas" from Celine, and get motivated and find inspiration to do something new, from working regularly with a vocal coach to working with a choreographer who could teach her basic and simple dance movements. She could also get involved in the stage image or direct some number on the show, like when she directed Fantasy. But I'm realistic and I doubt she has any interest on this last point. I would be so happy if she just concentrates on her voice because I think Mariah's big loss of voice comes not only from ageing but maybe from not using it well, and specially from not using it for the last years and trusting on her pre-recorded vocals. Her instrument has become atrophied due to the lack of use and practice and due to the lack of professional training. I know she will recover. She clearly sounded better in Jamaica than in her whole last tour. She's preparing for this. I don't like to be comparing artists all the time because they're different, but I understand why you are talking about Celine and comparing her to Mariah. I would like to say that Celine has done playback too and not just for hitting a high note. The're are many videos from her that prove it. The different is Mariah has been doing it for too many years, and hasn't proved if she still can sing the difficult part of her songs. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 5:15)

Crybaby video (50,519) by Darryle from USA In the Crybaby video Mariah's pager says: "MC2000. Often imitated, never duplicated. A.K.A. the hardest working bi**h in the business." I thought this was funny and so I decided I'd share it to lighten up the mood. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 4:54)

Clors nonsense? (50,518) by Reuben Walton from United States What is this "blue and black"/"white and gold" nonsense? Did she wear some ensemble recently with these colors? I'm so confused. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 4:53)

Uh uh (50,517) by Abraham from USA Was that shade Lee? If so, you tried it. Don't you dare come for "The boss". Diana was a gifted singer, vocalist and belter. She did fine with what she had. The only thing Diana *dreamed* of was success. And that she achieved. Funny you bring her in the mix. Another legendary diva who slays Celine lol. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 2:38)

Icon (50,516) by Otti from Belgium I love how Mariah use personal things from her life in her video clips. Like she did in "We belong together" with her own wedding dress. Or in "#Beautiful" the car of her dad. Or "Through the rain" the story of her parents and the sunflowers, because her father loves sunflowers. Or "I still believe" her admiration for Marilyn Monroe. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 2:28)

Vegas shows (50,515) by Jared from USA I am hoping that the quality of the production for MC Vegas shows will be up to par with Celine's. I watched Celine at Caesar's in 2006, and the show was so beautiful that I was moved to tears. Before I became a Mariah fan (circa 1997), I used to listed to Celine's albums on cassette. I also had Alanis' Jagged Little Pill on cassette, and listened to it constantly. Once I became acquainted with Mariah's music, I was hooked. I still have a soft spot for Celine, but I prefer Mariah by leaps and bounds. Having seen Mariah's Christmas shows at the Beacon, I am confident that she can pull off beautiful performances, especially if she works with a team as creative and accomplished as Celine's in Vegas. I also hope that she makes more of an effort to control her public image. I think the general public are tired of the "dahlings", "splashes", "moments" and "festivities". As fans or "lambs" we love and appreciate her quirky humor, but in recent years, it has really gone overboard. Many of her recent interviews are so awkward and cringe-inducing. I recently stumbled across her Vibe magazine interview circa 1998 (she's on the cover), and she sounds to down to earth and intelligent - not a rambling mess. I hope that Mariah resurfaces soon. Also, when she's done with this "#1's" show, I hope she really takes big musical risks. Take a page from GaGa's playbook and surprise us all. And finally, I wish she would stop using the same #1's-heavy setlist on her next tour. Peace. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 2:08)

The dress? Me. I am team blue and black (50,514) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End Mariah is obviously blind as a bat. See, I can call her on her bullshit. I just choose my battles and this is not one I am backing down from. Mariah, I you but you need to check your eye sight. Same goes for all you lambs who are team white and gold. This debate is the perfect metaphor for this board tbh. We will never see eye to eye no matter how hard some of us try. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 1:44)

Piece of the pie (50,513) by Andrew from UK The other ones are even funnier. This is the best. Present. Ever. I can't stop crying. "Oh baby, billing me, it's only a matter of pie. Piiiiiieeeeeee." The world is so brilliant sometimes. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 1:32)

Priceless (50,512) by Jon from Netherlands I'm glad you enjoyed it. "Cos if you run your mother break a bottle sicker run day boo" is poetic work. In the immortal words of Gob from Arrested Development: "It's good to laugh again." (Saturday 28 February 2015; 1:17)

Celine has more shoes (50,511) by Lee TS from USA Yes, I agree Mariah is the best and more gifted in every way. And I think Mariah's covers of Endless Love and Do You Know Where You're Going To slays the original version, she brought out vocals that the original singer can only dream of. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 1:10)

Priceless (50,510) by Andrew from UK Jon, I can't stop crying with laughter. My cheeks are aching. That is hilarious. "Rape me in my thighs. I know you like my cock." But the absolute mf'ing best: "Cos if you run your mother break a bottle sicker run day boo." I cannot stop laughing. I only regret I'll never be able to watch it again for the very first time. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 0:44)

Gospel cover (50,509) by 123 from USA Since Mariah is covering gospel songs, I would love for her to cover Angie & Debbie Winans' Light Of Love. They say Whitney is singing backgrounds on this song. Take a listen. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 0:40)

Gold mine (50,508) by Jon from Netherlands While rediscovering "Tuts my Barreh" (I guess it's from the 2008 album "Pii inside a c square") I found other lost classics like "Cousin always beat my baby" (aka "You'll always beat a pear on me"), "We'll be long together" (aka "Is it so hard to Billy? Come back, pay me please"), "When you peel it" and many others. There is also one for "Hero". That is sacred ground to me though so I won't go there haha. (Saturday 28 February 2015; 0:12)

Shelly / Lee (50,507) by Abraham from USA Thank you Shelly. I appreciate your kind words. I love your posts more. Lee, Celine's album may have sold well but what exactly did it do for her? Did she score a hit a song? Or did her album get nominated? No, Mariah is the one who is capable of that. "Beautiful" made it to number 15 and would have more and likely made it to number one had the whole shoulder injury never happened. And the album would had been released originally as it was recorded and would have sold more. I wasn't trying to put Celine down, I was just stating facts. Mariah is the better artist and talent and still the best voice in the music industry. When Mariah sings Jazz or in her low register she still sounds amazing. The Beacon showed she still has it. Excuse me for putting Mariah on a pedestal over Celine. A woman who has written/produced all her music, has had *platinum* albums, has the most number ones. "One sweet day" slays every single song in Celine's category. (Friday 27 February 2015; 23:57)

Tuts my Barreh (50,506) by Jon from Netherlands Andrew it's my pleasure to introduce you to "Tuts my Barreh" (aka "If there is a camel up a hill" aka so many other names but I don't want to ruin it for you). (Friday 27 February 2015; 23:29)

Team white and gold (50,505) by Lee TS from USA Lol I'm actually happy Mariah tweeted about the dress because it's such a fun topic going on right now. Like her I was initially team white and gold but then I finally saw the blue and black. I love she sees it the way I saw it haha. (Friday 27 February 2015; 23:13)

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